10CC serves up large helping of success in cafe contest

TOP CAFE: Chef Rebekah Kloosterman, (left), team leader Jules Hema, kitchen team manager Sue Fleet and shop manager Monique Kloeg are stoked to be in the finals for NZ Cafe of the Year 2013. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Affectionately known by locals as "10CC", Masterton's Ten O'Clock Cookie Bakery Cafe has been named the best cafe in the lower North Island.

The cafe has just celebrated 25 years in the business and is now in the running for the top title: NZ Cafe of the Year.

Manager Monique Kloeg said the cafe did not make the cut in last year's competition, so it was a good feeling to be in the top six this year.

"It feels amazing, we've all got smiles on our faces."

She said it was nice to be recognised for their cafe food and customer service.

"We worked really hard.

"Normally, the bakers get the awards, but now it's the kitchen and shop that have done it."

The six regional winners were selected from 18 finalists by undercover judges.

Every cafe had a signature dish for the competition and 10CC entered sweetcorn fritters with crispy bacon, avocado, tomato and coriander salsa and limed sour cream.

There were 669 eateries at the start of the competition and the finalists, which included The Village Grinder in Kuripuni, were voted on by more than 45,000 cafe-goers.

Head judge and food writer Kerry Tyack says the judges have a tough task ahead, deciding the final winner. "We have done the rounds and I can tell you these six are all very solid representations of what is available in their region."

The national winner will be announced on December 4 and drive away in a Fiat 500S.

Two runners-up will receive $2500 worth of products.